Chapter 230: I Name This Engine
"What? A name? Are you serious?"
Mr. Hugh shrugged his shoulders. The workmen had finally finished all the tests on the railway's new number seven, and by the end of the week iti would be ready for service. Mr. Percival wanted to reveal it at Mr. Hugh's retirement party.
"His idea, not mine. I wish I could say more, but he's kept me in the dark as much as you lot. Anyway, I better go. Gotta make sure Davd knows what's what."
Rusty chuckled fondly.
"The line won't be the same without you, Ivo."
"Thanks Rusty, but I'm just not as young as I used to be, you know."
All week, all any of them could think about was the new engine. Any time they saw Mr. Percival, they would ask:
"What will you name it?"
But all Mr. Percival would do was wink and say:
"Wait and see. Its a surprise."
Which only made them more curious. At last, the day finally came. Skarloey was chosen to take the special train, while everyone else waited at the sheds. There, on a siding, sat the new engine, a curtain covering its name plate. Lizzie and Kathy were giving it a good, hard cleaning. Duncan scoffed indignantly.
"Naming an engine, as if it were a living thing. Bah!"
"Duncan, must you always be like this?"
"You mean correct? Yes."
Rheneas rolled his eyes. It just wasn't worth it.
"I hope Skarloey gets here soon," he whispered to Rusty. "I don't know how much more of this I can take."
Rusty could only nod in agreement.
Skarloey was making good time back to Crovan's Gate, but trouble lay ahead. He had just picked up Mr. Hugh and was ready for a clear run home, when disaster struck. One minute, the line was clear. The next, a squeal rang out as several small shapes dashed out right in front of the train. Skarloey stopped just in time, but he wasn't very happy.
"What on Earth was that?"
Hopping down from the footplate, he found his answer in the brush. There, nestled in the small grass, was a mother pig and her pigletts. Despite his anger about nearly running them over, Skarloey couldn't help but smile.
"Well I'll be. Come on, little guys. Let's get you home."
But the pigs wouldn't stay still. As soon as Skarloey had one in his arms, it would jump out and run away, causing him no end of grief. Mr. Percival, Mr. Hugh, and the guests had to help too, and they didn't like it very much. But at last, they managed to round them all up. The farmer soon came to collect them.
"Sorry. folks! I swear I had them under control."
"It's okay, Sam. We'd best get going, though."
Tired but relieved, the passengers all climbed back into the coaches, and Skarloey took off once more. But when he checked his watch, he found that they were running late.
"Bother those pigs! I'll have to increase speed if I want to make up for lost time!"
It was hard work, but at last they made it into the yards to much applause. Weary, Skarloey parked his engine alongside the others.
"Hey Skarloey, what-"
"Don't. Ask."
Clearing his throat, Mr. Percival took the stage.
"Thank you everyone for being here. Not only are we here today to say hello to the newest addition of the fleet, but say goodbye to an old friend. Alas, after many years of excellent service, our Ivo Hugh is retiring. And as a thank you to him for all he's done, I think its only fair for him to reveal the new engine's name. Ivo, would you do the honors?"
"Certainly, Percival. I name this engine-"
Pulling back the curtain, his words caught in his throat, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Bless my soul! No, not that! It's...It's Ivo Hugh!"
He turned to Mr. Percival, who just smiled.
"Now, you'll always be a part of the railway."
"Thank you. This...this is a truly amazing gift."
And the crowd rang out in a chorus of cheers for Ivo hugh, the really useful engineer.